Cross-inscribed stone in Inchcleraun

Possible cross-inscribed stone recorded from Inchcleraun that is listed in the OPW Carved Stone Inventory as stone no. 2964 which was removed from Inchcleraun c.25-30 years before acquisition (1932) by the Dean of Clonmacnoise when it was being removed by tourists. Acquired by the National Museum of Ireland 1933 (NMI Reg. No. 1933:597) where it is how housed (HAB:C8:24). Described in the inventory as an incomplete sandstone slab (H 0.2m x Wth 0.24m x D 0.06m) of 7th century date decorated with a carving of a cross in false relief, one with expanded terminals. A square at the terminals and a square at the intersections, back pecked away to give a corresponding cruciform pattern. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 20 February 2023

Likely dating to the early Christian period (5th–9th century), the cross-inscribed stone reflects a tradition of Christian symbolism in prehistoric and early medieval Ireland. Such stones often served as markers, memorials, or focal points for religious practice, and may have been associated with local monastic or ecclesiastical sites.